When it comes to buying your first camera, there’s a lot to think about. Image quality, portability, battery life, features… the list goes on. On top of that you may be buying a camera for a different purpose than the next person, but let’s assume we are on the same page here and you want to try your hand at some introductory photography. 

Personally, I opted for a Canon Rebel camera, but there are plenty of beginner systems available. I found some strengths in the Canon system that I will share below as compelling reasons to go with this choice if it fits your tastes. From one beginner photographer to another, I cannot emphasize enough how the Canon Rebel line of cameras has proven to be a fantastic system to learn the basics of camera settings and operations while producing great quality images. 

There are plenty of spec sheets out there that cover the details on whichever Rebel camera you can go for, (I got a T6i since that was the latest model at the time) but I wanted to provide the short and sweet on why the Rebel cameras have been a winner for me as I’ve built up my photography skill set. 

Ease of Use

I think this is fairly obvious, but you want a camera that works and is fairly simple to understand. I think the Rebel cameras balance features with ease of use and allow you to keep things as simple or complex as you are ready for as you progress in your learning. With dependable shooting modes, a rock-solid menu system, and great colors, this camera system is very capable. When you’re ready to amp things up, the manual modes on the camera provide nice levels of customization that allow you to get creative quickly.

Canon colors 

The color science of a camera is part of its secret sauce that can make it great. With Canon’s camera systems, you can trust that your images are produced with Canon’s beautiful colors that other manufacturers fail to measure up to. 

Lens choices

When you are ready to move beyond the kit lens, you have the full suite of incredible Canon lenses at your disposal. Even with a Rebel camera body, the right lens will make all the difference and allow you to push your camera’s capability far beyond what you may have anticipated. Lenses can get pricey, but for APSC bodies like the Rebel, there are tons of great and inexpensive lenses like the Canon 50mm 1.8 STM that can allow you to step your game up quickly (this was a game-changer lens for me, I highly suggest picking one up). 

Wifi & App Integration

Okay, lots of cameras offer WiFi nowadays but I do really enjoy the Canon Camera Connect application that allows you to use your smartphone to view and download images off your camera. I have found other apps clunky or non-responsive but Canon’s WiFi system is easy and can get you quality images to your phone and subsequently on to your social media of choice quickly. One of my favorite ways to share photos on trips is through Instagram stories. With the WiFi capability of the camera, I’m able to quickly bring photos into my phone to edit quickly and add to my story in real-time. 

Video Modes

Sometimes I want to shoot some nice quality video to switch things up and the skills you learn with the camera in photography certainly will be applicable as you access them to produce videos to your liking. One caveat here though is to be sure to use a stabilized lens with the camera for a video to reduce image shake unless you have a gimbal. The kit lens included with the Rebel cameras is stabilized so you should be good to go here right out of the box.

Touchscreen (that flips out!)

You won’t find it anywhere else as you do on a Canon. The articulating touch screen on the Rebel line (and on many of Canon’s other cameras) provides great flexibility for a variety of shooting situations. Leveraging live view on the camera (shooting mode that allows you to see on your screen what the camera will take a photo of real-time) will allow you ensure your images come out tack sharp when you are working with odd angles or just if you prefer seeing your image on a larger screen rather than via your viewfinder when you capture it.

Weight and Form Factor

This is likely the only challenge for some as a DSLR will have a larger form factor than their mirrorless or other compact counterparts, but in the world of DSLR cameras, I found the Rebel easy to carry and routinely walked miles through cities on my travels with the camera and a lens securely fastened to my backpack shoulder strap via my Peak Design clip with minimal discomfort. With a larger lens it can become uncomfortable but for most of my photography, I stuck with a fast prime lens like the 50 or a 35.

I could go on about the capabilities of this system, but I have been so happy with my Rebel system and the growth opportunities it has allowed in my photography with its features. I brought my camera to events with far more pricey gear but through maximizing the capabilities of my system before moving to one I wouldn’t have been ready for, I have been able to understand the things that matter most to me in a camera system. 

I hope this was able to give you a little insight into my experience. Whatever camera system you go with, just go out and practice. Take bad photos until they get better, then keep going.